Laker LeBron already in 'mid-season' form, says Magic

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Los Angeles Lakers president Magic Johnson on Thursday said newly-acquired forward LeBron James is in excellent shape ahead of next week’s training camp and will lead an up-tempo offense as the franchise attempts to return to NBA relevancy.

May 23, 2018; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) attempts a free throw against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of game five of the Eastern conference finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports - 10849884

Johnson said the three-time NBA champion, who parted ways with the Cleveland Cavaliers over the summer to make the move out west, is a player-coach who has already set an example for the team’s young core with his relentless work ethic.

“LeBron is already in mid-season form,” Johnson, who won five championships as a player with Lakers in the 1980s, said at a press conference.

“He’s shooting fade aways and three pointers from almost half court,” he said.

“You’re sitting there saying man, ‘thank god we signed him’. It’s just beautiful to watch.”

Johnson said the Lakers, who have missed the playoffs for the last five seasons, will look to push the basketball up the court this season as they try to unseat the similarly speedy reigning champion Golden State Warriors.

“It’s going to be exciting because the pace will never stop,” he said.